I think the sweets and treats may be my favorite part of parties. I LOVE to make cookies, candies, cakes and cupcakes. I have a favorite sugar cookie cutout recipe (which I will post here later-it's really simple) and I often fall back on store bought cake mixes for cakes and cupcakes. Store bought usually gives me more time to spend on my decorating, but if you like to do completely homemade, I will post the recipes I use for that stuff too (if it's not posted yet, comment here if you need any recipes and I will get them up asap!).
I mentioned Cake Balls in my last post. I've made them once and they didn't turn out too pretty. It's a good thing Bakerella has some handy tips on her site, as I may try them again and try to make them look a little better. You can't beat a little ball of cake, frosting and chocolate (unless you don't have my sweet tooth)!
My favorite (and my husband's too) cupcakes are Cookies and Cream Cupcakes. If I make these sweet treats, they don't last too long! I take a box of white cake mix (the Pillsbury brand has always been my favorite-it seems less dry), and make the mix according to box instructions. Once the batter is made, I crush a bunch of double stuffed oreos into the mix (I use a little over half the package). Don't worry about crushing them too small or anything, even big chunks of cookies in the batter end up soft in the cupcake and are a yummy surprise. You can just kind of break them up. Stir them in and then scoop the batter into your cupcake pan (lined with paper liners), or my new favorite-silicone muffin cups(thanks to my mother-in-law). They are SO easy to use and very environmental friendly-easy to wash and re-use. The cupcakes/muffins just pop right out too.
I've also recently tried out "filled" cupcakes and they were SO good. Once your cupcakes are made and cooled, fill a pastry bag or decorator (I used this one) with frosting or whatever you want for filling. Stick the tip just in the top of the cupcake and squeeze to release the filling into the cupcake. A little hole will be left in the top, but is easily covered up when you frost your cupcakes.
I really like the Candy Table for party favors and have used it quite a few times now. If you have a color theme, you can buy all kinds of candies in your color theme-m&ms, jelly beans/jelly bellies, gummy candies, anything really. Then get a bunch of jars/glass bowls (differing sizes and shapes gives the table a cute effect), you can find cheap ones at the dollar store-I have even used those small fish bowls. Set up all the different candies in bowls and put littles spoons/scoops in them. Get some cellophane bags and make or buy some stickers to hold your guest's bags shut. I use a picture frame to put out a sign such as, "love is sweet, please take a treat" (for a shower or wedding reception) or something along those lines. These are not my pictures, and if anyone recognizes them feel free to comment that they are yours for credit or ask me to remove them. I wanted to show some ideas and don't have pictures of mine handy.
More Sweet treats and ideas to come soon!
